Citadel - Alchemist

Bastl Instruments
$285.00

The CITADEL ALCHEMIST is a patchable hybrid-synthesis based eurorack module that empowers you in discovering melodies and even harmonies despite being monophonic. Patch programmable sequencing via the control signals into the two PITCH MOD inputs opens up a world of melodic inspiration beyond classic arpeggios while staying in your preferred SCALE.

The Alchemist has a carefully tuned wide timbral range spanning across 5 synthesis modes (FILTER, FM, HYPERSINE, SUPERSAW and GLITCHNOISE) accessed by main TIMBRE sweep that is refined by the RATIO control.

The Citadel provides the basic infrastructure needed to integrate eurorack systems within the context of electronic music making: headphone output, TRS MIDI input and sync, tempo generator with divider/multiplier, USB MIDI (from the back of the module), stereo mixing, integrated LFO and Pattern generator and effects.

All that makes Citadel the perfect module for smaller and beginner systems while the fun and unique creativity of the Kastle 2 firmwares: the FX WIZARD multi-effect processor and WAVE BARD sample player will earn its place in larger setups.

TWO FOR ONE
The Citadel comes equipped with a reversible front panel with Alchemy on one side and Open Source on the other side. It also comes with our custom designed tool to make the panel switching as seamless as possible. You can load and try different Citadel/Kastle 2 present and future firmwares and updates with a USB port (on the back).

MIDI INSIDE OUT
Citadel Alchemist  is not just a sound box—it’s a powerful MIDI controller and sequencer when connected via the USB port on the back of the module. Send finely curated USB MIDI data to your DAW or USB MIDI device, and discover new ways of playing and interacting through a modular interface. Citadel Wave Bard receives TRS MIDI via front panel and both sends and receives USB MIDI via the connector on the back of the module.

WEB-BASED EDITOR
Use the Alchemist Laboratory to customize Citadel's rhythms and scales:

FEATURES

  • 5 synth modes
    — FILTER
    — FM
    — SUPERSAW
    — HYPERSINE
    — GLITCHNOISE

  • Hybrid synthesis
    — 4 oscillators
    — FM with feedback
    — Raw Waveform mixing
    — Ring mod
    — Track and hold
    — Stereo noise with track and hold
    — Stereo Filter
    — Transient shaper

  • Dual FX section
    — Delay to the left
    — Chorus/Flanger/Distortion to the right

  • stereo audio processing at 44kHz/16-bits

  • PITCH knob with range of ± 3 octaves from base note
  • PITCH MOD attenuverter knob for modulating pitch
    — NOTE input: quantized pitch with selectable scales (updates on trigger)
    — PLAY input: 3rd, 5th and octave above NOTE - triggers envelope on change, time quantized to PLAY GRID - great for arpeggios!
    — user-defined scales via web-based editor 
    — BANK+PITCH MOD to change quantizer scale
    — BANK+TIMBRE MOD for root note adjustment
    — BANK+LFO MOD for fine tuning
    — BANK+PITCH to change and preview octave

  • TIMBRE knob for main timbral sweep
    — refine TIMBRE sweep with RATIO (oscillator detune ratios and wave mixing ratios)
    — hit the SHIFT button to trigger the sound
    — TRIGGER input to trigger sound
    — TIMBRE MOD input with attenuversion

  • MODE input with attenuation to change synth MODE with CV

  • ENV knob
    — turn right to set decay and focuses TIMBRE on transients
    — turn left to reverse add attack and decay and focuses TIMBRE on BODY
    — fully left and right enters DRONE mode
    — slows down arpeggio at long envelopes
    — MODE MORPHING to the left
    — ENV MOD input with attenuverter
    — ENV MOD updates only at trigger
    — patchable ENV output of the envelope

  • LFO with triangle and pulse output, reset input, attenuverting modulation, synced or free
  • Tempo generator with tap tempo, divider, and external clock input
  • Pattern generator (tempo synced) with GATE and CV output, patch-programmable
  • GATE generator contains user-programmable RHYTHM patterns via web-based editor

  • stereo eurorack-level DC coupled input with input gain (up to +6db), accepts up to -10V to + 10V
  • input can be mixed at the output or run thru the built in effects
  • DC coupled stereo eurorack-level output, -5V to +5V
  • stereo headphone output capable of driving headphones up to 250 Ohm
  • analog sync input
  • analog sync output

  • TRS MIDI Input (clock, notes, CCs, pitch bend)
  • USB-C on the back of the module (firmware updates, USB MIDI in/out, uploading samples)

Specifications:

  • 16 HP
  • PTC fuse and diode protected 10 pin power connector
  • 24 mm deep
  • current consumption: +12 V: <60 mA (w/o headphones), <90 mA (w/headphones to max); -12 V: <20 mA